Zand
Well-known member
Date(s) Skied: 12/06/04
Resort or Ski Area: Wachusett, MA
Conditions: Packed Powder afternoon, ice night
Trip Report:
So I took my first turns of the season tonight. There were 2 trails open: Conifer and Challenger. Minuteman Express and Polar Express were turning.
Conifer: During my first run at about 3:30, it wasn't bad. Sme icy spots, but it was still good for early season. At 5, it almost turned powdery and I thought it was time to forget about ice, but I thought wrong. At 8:00, the trail became downright dangerous with glare ice from the top to about halfway down Lower Conifer. One run was really eventful. On the first turn, I went sliding off the trail into the uncovered stuff. About a few seconds later, a boarder washed out and went feet first into the woods. Right after that, I saw ski patrol treating a boarder who went sliding into the woods. It was barely edgeable.
Challenger: The trail was pretty good during the afternoon and into the evening. It started to become a bit icy, especially on the last steep part. There were 2 big problems. First, there were way too many beginners. Why do they have to swarm on a half-covered icy intermediate trail? Jesus, stay on Ollie's. At least until the conditions are better. Also, the snowboarders had a rail set up right after the last steep. They all sat across the trail when they were waiting to hit it. All you could so is gun it by them and hope you can stop at the bottom.
The Polar Express was running very slow, giving ride times of 5:40 on a lift that usually takes 4 minutes. Minuteman seemed to be running fine.
In conclusion, the afternoon was good for early December, but it was downright dangerous after 8. Hopefully they can get some more trails open soon.
Resort or Ski Area: Wachusett, MA
Conditions: Packed Powder afternoon, ice night
Trip Report:
So I took my first turns of the season tonight. There were 2 trails open: Conifer and Challenger. Minuteman Express and Polar Express were turning.
Conifer: During my first run at about 3:30, it wasn't bad. Sme icy spots, but it was still good for early season. At 5, it almost turned powdery and I thought it was time to forget about ice, but I thought wrong. At 8:00, the trail became downright dangerous with glare ice from the top to about halfway down Lower Conifer. One run was really eventful. On the first turn, I went sliding off the trail into the uncovered stuff. About a few seconds later, a boarder washed out and went feet first into the woods. Right after that, I saw ski patrol treating a boarder who went sliding into the woods. It was barely edgeable.
Challenger: The trail was pretty good during the afternoon and into the evening. It started to become a bit icy, especially on the last steep part. There were 2 big problems. First, there were way too many beginners. Why do they have to swarm on a half-covered icy intermediate trail? Jesus, stay on Ollie's. At least until the conditions are better. Also, the snowboarders had a rail set up right after the last steep. They all sat across the trail when they were waiting to hit it. All you could so is gun it by them and hope you can stop at the bottom.
The Polar Express was running very slow, giving ride times of 5:40 on a lift that usually takes 4 minutes. Minuteman seemed to be running fine.
In conclusion, the afternoon was good for early December, but it was downright dangerous after 8. Hopefully they can get some more trails open soon.
